Viduka backs Owen

13 July 2007 11:33

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Newcastle United's Mark Viduka has backed his new strike-partner Michael Owen to silence his critics when the new Premier League season begins next month.
Owen has made only 14 appearances following his £16million transfer from Real Madrid almost two years ago.
The England striker has been plagued by serious injury since signing for the Magpies and his lack of fitness has led to claims that the 26-year-old will never recapture the highs of his early career at Liverpool.
However Viduka, who arrived at St James' Park on a free transfer from Middlesbrough last month, has backed his new team-mate to make up for lost time when the new campaign kicks off.
"He's got a great goalscoring record - especially at international level for England - but he's had some rotten luck with injuries recently at Newcastle," the Australia international told the club's official website.
"But by the sounds of it he will be back to his best when the new season starts and I'm sure he will be wanting to make up for lost time.
"The fact he's said he's going to stay at Newcastle has got to be brilliant for the fans and the team. He's a player I've always admired and I can't wait to play with him for Newcastle.
"I played against him a few times when I was at Leeds so I know what a top-class player he is and from a personal point of view it will be great to play alongside him."